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Steve Bruce has predicted a bright St. Andrew's future for his latest acquisition, the former Aston Villa, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers forward Dwight Yorke.

The Blues boss had to act quickly to get his man with just minutes to spare before the close of the summer transfer window. Some fans questioned the decision to sign a player that had made his name across the other side of the city at Villa Park. In fact, Yorke became something of a fans' favourite in his nine years in B6. But the fact that the striker had no qualms about breaking the unwritten rule and signing for Villa's Second City rivals, Bruce believes is an indication of the 32-year-old's courage and determination to continue being a success at the top level.

"I was tipped off that Yorkie was on his way up to Celtic last Tuesday. I got a phone call at 4pm to say that he was catching a 5pm flight to Glasgow, which made things a little bit difficult," explained Bruce. "We had enquired about Dwight a month previous to that and once I knew that someone of his ability had become available, I had no hesitation in seeing if we could bring him here. "Dwight obviously had an agonising decision to make, but the fact that he did choose us tells you everything about the lad. "He still wants to play in the Premiership and he has got the courage to
come and play for us, which I am delighted about. I am sure he will be a huge hit for us."

Yorke has scored 180 times in 512 matches for Villa, United and Blackburn - a scoring ratio of just over one goal in every three games at Premiership level. "You don't often get a player with his record become available for that sort of money," Bruce added about his £250,000 capture.

Bruce confirmed that Yorke will go straight into the squad for this weekend's Premiership trip to Middlesbrough.